Licensing Statement of Principles (policy) 2026 – 2031sets out how Torbay Council intends to apply the processes and procedures when exercising its functions under the Licensing Act 2003.

That Cabinet recommends to Council:

That the Licensing Act Statement of Principles (Licensing Policy) 2026 to 2031, as set out in Appendix 2 to the submitted report be adopted with effect from 7 January 2026.

The Council has a statutory obligation as prescribed under Section 5 (1) Licensing Act 2003, which requires that the Licensing Authority publish a statement and review and re-publish the same, at least every 5 years.

There are no other options available, as the review of the Licensing Policy is a statutory requirement under the Licensing Act 2003.

The recommendations of the Cabinet will be considered at the Council meeting on 11 December 2025.

The Licensing Act 2003 required Torbay Council, under its role as Licensing Authority, to review and publish a ‘Statement of Principles’ (the Licensing Policy), every five years.  The Statement of Principles outlined how the Council would administer applications and regulate licensable activities.  It also specified under what circumstances applications may be successful and the measures necessary to promote the licensing objectives.

The Licensing Policy was subject to public consultation from 18 July to 29 August 2025, with minor changes having been made to the Policy following the feedback.

At the meeting Councillor Tranter proposed and Councillor Bye seconded a motion that was agreed unanimously by the Cabinet, as set out above.

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